Revealed- Why Ravindra Jadeja was announced India's vice-captain vs West Indies?

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. Notably, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain, surprising many in the cricket community.

India will host the West Indies for two tests. The series will begin at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2, and the second and final Test will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Notably, the series will be India’s second outing and first at home in the new World Test Championship cycle.

That's Why We Picked Ravindra Jadeja as Vice-Captain - Ajit Agarkar

Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain for India’s upcoming Test series, supporting captain Shubman Gill. There had been speculation about Jadeja’s participation, with Manav Suthar in contention as a potential replacement.

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Speaking at the press conference, Ajit Agarkar said that Rishabh Pant has not fully recovered in time for the series. Agarkar stated that Jadeja has been appointed interim vice-captain for the series.

"Rishabh Pant hasn't quite recovered for this series. We're hoping that he will recover for the next one. That's why we picked Jadeja as vice-captain," Agarkar told reporters.

Rishabh Pant Set to Miss West Indies Test Series Due to...

Rishabh Pant will miss India’s upcoming Test series against the West Indies as he continues to recover from a fractured left foot sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July. The injury occurred on Day 1 when Pant was struck while batting by fast bowler Chris Woakes.

Following the incident, the left-handed batter was advised to take six weeks’ rest and subsequently returned home to manage his recovery. With Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel will assume wicketkeeping duties for the West Indies series.

N Jagadeeshan has been named as the reserve wicketkeeper. He previously received a call-up for the Oval Test against England and also played India A’s matches against Australia A. The team management will continue to monitor Pant’s rehabilitation closely to assess his availability for future series.

Ravindra Jadeja Appointed Vice-Captain for West Indies Series

Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket earlier this year, the Indian selection committee appointed Shubman Gill as captain, with Rishabh Pant named his deputy.

Ravindra Jadeja is the senior-most player in the current squad. He has been named vice-captain in Pant’s absence. Jadeja has never previously captained the Test side.

The left-handed batter last played for India in the Anderson-Tendulkar 2025 series, where he scored 516 runs, including a century and five fifties, and took seven wickets across five matches.

Jadeja is not part of India’s campaign during the Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav's side reached the final, set to take place in Dubai on September 28. The team is scheduled to assemble in Ahmedabad on September 29, the day following the Asia Cup final.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer made captain; India A squad for Australia ODIs announced